The operation can be done under local anesthesia, combined with a sedative for the adult.

It lasts about an hour.

One night at the clinic is advised in case of a general anesthesia, the hospitalization is not necessary for a local anesthesia.

A wound-dressing during 48h followed by a bulky bandage to bend the ears to the skull during 10 days, day and night, followed by 15 days only at night. The following of a surgery is generally painful for adults and require antalgics. The ears will be a little bit swollen and tumid during 10 days, and sensitive at touch for several weeks. The lack of ear sensation can last up to several months which requires protection against cold temperatures (bonnets) and hot temperatures (blow drier).

· In the country where the surgery is performed

During your hospitalization the surgeon and his staff monitor to ensure there are no complications occurring. A few follow-up visits are also necessary during the required recovery period (usually about 4 to 5 days), they take place directly at your hotel.

After you get back to your homeland.

During your first week back home your surgeon may stay in close contact with you either by phone, mail or webcam. Your surgeon may also collaborate with your own doctor to ensure your recovery is normal.

You may resume normal activity usually about a week after the surgery.

After 3 months: a check-up visit.

Your surgeon monitors the first results to ensure they are satisfying. In some cases, you may require additional corrections or treatment.

Examples of unsatisfying results requiring additional treatments (corrections):

- slight asymmetry between the two ears

- uneveness in the relief or too salient placation

- narrowing of the orifice of the auditory canal

-sensation of the deep stitches

Your surgeon will inform you of all the risks involved during your first discussions but also every time you will have a question. You will be then asked to sign a consent form which contains all the details of the whole surgery procedure.

Medical literature lists some of the following potential complications (apart from the ones directly linked to anesthesia):

- hematoma: a slight bleeding might occur and would require to remove the head dressing and another surgery

- infection

Without over-estimating the risks, it is necessary to fully understand that even a simple surgery is dependant on a certain amount of unpredictable factors.

Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon ensures you that he/she has the required education, skill and experience to avoid these complications or to efficiently treat them when necessary.